Cozy Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake Recipe For Family Nights

Stuffed pepper spaghetti bake reinvents ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that sparks excitement at the table.

Vibrant bell peppers mingle beautifully with hearty pasta, creating a comforting dish that feels both familiar and innovative.

Robust seasonings dance through each delectable layer, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Tender vegetables and rich sauce blend seamlessly, offering a symphony of flavors in every forkful.

Home cooks can easily elevate their weeknight repertoire with this clever fusion of classic ingredients.

The magic happens when traditional elements combine in unexpected ways, turning simple components into something spectacular.

Families and friends will gather eagerly around this crowd-pleasing centerpiece, anticipating each delicious bite.

Reasons to Love Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

• Transform Peppers into Pasta Perfection: This recipe cleverly reimagines classic stuffed peppers by turning them into a delicious, cheesy spaghetti bake that combines familiar flavors in an unexpected way.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that starts on the stovetop and finishes beautifully in the oven, making meal preparation incredibly simple and convenient.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction in every single bite, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Quick Weeknight Culinary Magic: Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect solution for busy families seeking a nutritious, delicious meal that doesn't require complicated cooking techniques or extensive prep time.

What’s Inside Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

• Spaghetti, Angel Hair Pasta: Classic pasta base with delicate texture, great for absorbing rich flavors and providing hearty foundation.

• Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Lean protein with robust flavor, onions adding sweetness, and bell peppers providing fresh crunch and color.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall depth and complexity of the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley, Fresh Parsley: Herbal blend adding authentic Italian taste and bright green color.
• Kosher Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches sauce.
• Cream of Tomato Soup, Pasta Sauce: Creamy base that provides moisture and classic tomato profile.

• Medium Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese with sharp flavor that creates golden, crispy top layer.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness to the base.

The Cooking Process for Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become tender and develop a light caramelized color, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

Step 5: Brown the Protein

Introduce lean ground beef to the pot. Crumble and cook thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 6: Create Savory Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tomato paste
• Tomato soup or pasta sauce

Mix ingredients until well combined.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture. Blend 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese into the mixture to enhance richness.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the pot in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a golden color.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

Remove from oven and let stand for 6-8 minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving.

Smart Suggestions for Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake Success

• Choose Quality Ground Beef: Select lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease and ensure a healthier, cleaner-tasting dish.
• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta by cooking it 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb sauce.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté vegetables until caramelized to develop deeper, richer taste profiles that elevate the entire casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and more even coverage across the baked dish, creating that irresistible golden-brown top.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from cold.

Save and Reheat Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed pepper spaghetti bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Sealed tightly, the meal will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming tough.

Flavors That Pair Well with Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the cheese's richness while enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole, adding brightness and providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta bake.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft, cheesy pasta and provides an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Pair with a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ground beef while refreshing the taste buds.

Fresh Variations on Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a nutrient-packed meal.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin. Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack and top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Replace tomato sauce with marinara and sprinkle with crumbled feta before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Replace regular tomato sauce with a certified gluten-free pasta sauce for those with dietary restrictions.

Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spaghetti meets stuffed peppers in this hearty Italian-inspired casserole that blends classic comfort with zesty flavors. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly roasted bell peppers combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 ½ cups medium cheddar cheese, grated or sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 2 cups cream of tomato soup or your favorite pasta sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the spaghetti casserole.
2. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, ensuring each strand maintains a delicate texture. Drain and reserve for later integration.
3. In a robust oven-safe skillet, warm olive oil over moderate heat. Gently sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they transform into a golden, fragrant medley.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the skillet.
5. Incorporate ground beef, methodically breaking it into uniform crumbles. Cook thoroughly until the meat achieves a rich, caramelized brown coloration with no trace of pink.
6. Enhance the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Fold in tomato paste and marinara sauce, creating a robust and flavorful foundation.
7. Delicately fold cooked spaghetti into the savory meat mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is luxuriously coated. Sprinkle a portion of cheddar cheese to amplify the dish’s creamy texture.
8. Generously crown the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a molten golden blanket.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble for approximately 20 minutes.
10. Extract from oven and permit the casserole to rest, letting flavors harmonize. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Transforming traditional stuffed peppers into a hearty, cheesy pasta bake that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
• Versatile recipe allows for creative swaps like ground turkey, different cheese blends, or extra veggies to customize your meal.
• Meal prep champions will love how easily this dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg